Results of the Consensus Platforms: Positions and Recommendations Derived from Scientific Findings in a Joint Effort of Academics, Industry, and Authorities

To convert scientific findings of the National Research Program (NRP) 'Endocrine Disruptors' into political and practical action the innovative tool of the consensus platforms has been created. The consensus platforms brought together representatives of the NRP, of the authorities and industry. They prepared generally accepted positions on the effects of endocrine disruptors and recommendations on actions to be taken to minimize these effects. This article shows the positions and recommendations of all three consensus platforms

Inhibition of translation by poliovirus: Inactivation of a specific initiation factor

Translation of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) mRNA, like host mRNA translation, is inhibited in cells infected with poliovirus. To study the mechanism of poliovirus-induced inhibition of protein synthesis, we prepared extracts from poliovirus-infected and uninfected HeLa cells. Poliovirus mRNA was translated in lysates from both infected and uninfected cells, while VSV mRNA was translated only in the lysate from uninfected cells. Addition of purified translation initiation factors to the extract from infected cells showed that one factor, eIF-4B, could restore VSV mRNA translation in the infected lysate, but did not increase poliovirus mRNA translation. Further experiments involving translation of VSV mRNA in mixed extracts from poliovirus-infected and uninfected cells showed (i) that there was not an excess of an inhibitor of VSV mRNA translation in the infected lysate, but (ii) that an activity that caused a slow inactivation of eIF-4B was present in the infected lysate. Inactivation of eIF-4B appears to be the mechanism by which poliovirus infection causes a selective inhibition of translation

Imaging of Lemierre Syndrome in children and young adultsA case-series analysis

Background / Purpose : Lemierre Syndrome (LS) is defined by a recent oro-pharangeal infection, the clinical presence or radiological demonstration of internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis and documented anaerobe germ, principally Fusobacterium necrophorum (Fn) leading to septicaemia and septic embolization. It is a rare infection described since 1900 and it nearly disappeared since the beginning of the antibiotic area. Even if it is seldom described in the literature, this infection is reappearing in the last 10 years, either because of the increase of antibiotic resistance or by modification of antibiotic prescription. The aim of this study is to describe the role of medical imaging in the diagnosis, staging and follow up of Lemierre syndrome, as well as to describe the ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of this rare disease. Patients and methods : Radiological and medical files of patients diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome in the past 6 years at CHUV hospital were analysed retrospectively. The CT scan, US, colour Doppler US (CDUS) and MRI examinations that were performed have been examined so as to define their specific imaging findings. Results IJV thrombosis was demonstrated in 2 cases by US, by CT in 6 cases and MRI in one case. Septic pulmonary emboli were detected by CT in 5 patients. Complications of the LS were depicted by MR in one case and by CT in 1 case. Conclusion : In the appropriate clinical settings, US, CT or MR evidence of IJV thrombosis and chest CT suggestive of septic emboli, should lead the physician to consider the diagnosis of LS. As a consequence, imaging allows a faster diagnosis and a more efficient treatment of this infection, which in case of insufficient therapy can lead to death

We Live in Waves

Composition for orchestra

Regulatory quality and performance in EU network industries: Evidence on telecommunications, gas and electricity

This article provides empirical evidence on ex ante and ex post indicators of regulatory quality and the relationship between those indicators and market performance in liberalised EU-15 network industries. It finds a low level of regulatory independence and competence, a high level of cross-country variations in regulatory quality, and widespread absence of correlation between ex ante regulatory quality and ex post performance indicators. On the basis of these findings, it suggests that the design of national regulatory agencies (NRAs) in Europe is not optimal and may be conducive to regulatory ineffectiveness or outright regulatory failure. Nevertheless, the existence and strengthening of EU-level regulators could enable EU member states to reduce the risk of regulatory failure by encouraging coordination and adoption of best practice

Defining and modulating the butyrate-producing microbial community in the swine gut

Swine are an important agricultural commodity, and global swine production is increasing. Currently antibiotics are extensively used in commercial swine production for the treatment and prevention of diseases. However, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates that we reexamine our use of antibiotics, and reduce their use whenever possible. Alternatives to antibiotics are needed if we are to successfully mitigate AMR while still ensuring the health of swine and the safety of the food they produce. The intestinal microbiota is increasingly being manipulated in a number of ways to provide alternatives to antibiotic treatment, and progress is being made in this regard. This work examines the role of the swine intestinal microbiota, particularly the butyrate-producing community, in health and resistance to disease, and investigates how manipulations of this community can provide alternatives to antibiotics. Here, new molecular tools to study the butyrate-producing community are described and, through their use, an initial survey of this community in swine is conducted. A novel butyrate-producing bacterial species is formally described, and its probiotic potential is explored. Finally, dietary raw potato starch is investigated as a means to support butyrate production in swine and is shown to induce beneficial changes in both the intestinal microbiota as well as the host response. These contributions enhance our understanding of the swine-associate butyrate-producing community and represent advancement towards the goal of utilizing the functions of the gut microbiota as a way to promote health and reduce antibiotic treatment